10586192

System and Method for Real Cost Analysis of a Cooling System

PublishedMarch 10, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
16 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A computerized method for real cost analysis related to a modification to a physical structure of an existing cooling system, comprising: a computer processor determining a base real cost per time period of the existing cooling system; the computer processor generating an estimated real cost per time period of a model using the modification to a physical structure of the existing cooling system; the computer processor comparing the base real cost per time period to the estimated real cost per time period in real time; and the computer processor outputting to a display a result of the real cost analysis related to the modification, wherein the modification includes one or more of an addition of an energy using component to the physical structure of the existing cooling system or removal of an energy using component from the physical structure of the existing cooling system.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to the field of building management and energy efficiency, specifically addressing the problem of accurately assessing the real-time cost implications of physical modifications to existing cooling systems. The method involves a computerized system that first calculates the current, actual cost per unit of time for operating an existing cooling system. This is referred to as the base real cost. Subsequently, the system models a proposed modification to the physical structure of this cooling system. This modification can involve either adding a new component that consumes energy or removing an existing energy-consuming component. The system then generates an estimated real cost per unit of time for operating the cooling system with this proposed modification. The core of the analysis is the real-time comparison between the base real cost and the estimated real cost. This comparison allows for an immediate understanding of how the modification will impact operational expenses. Finally, the system displays the results of this real cost analysis, providing a clear indication of the financial consequences of the proposed physical change to the cooling system.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The computerized method according to claim 1 , wherein the computer processor determining the base real cost per time period of the existing cooling system comprises: determining values for a temperature, a flow measurement, a fluid type in a solution, and a fluid percentage in the solution.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computerized method for optimizing cooling system efficiency by determining the real cost per time period of an existing cooling system. The method addresses the problem of accurately assessing cooling system performance to identify inefficiencies and reduce operational costs. The system calculates the base real cost by analyzing key parameters: temperature, flow measurement, fluid type in the cooling solution, and fluid percentage in the solution. These parameters are used to evaluate the cooling system's performance and cost-effectiveness. The method involves collecting data on temperature and flow rates, identifying the type of fluid used in the cooling solution, and measuring the concentration of that fluid. By analyzing these factors, the system determines the true operational cost of the cooling system over a specified time period. This allows for more precise cost analysis and optimization of cooling operations. The invention aims to provide a data-driven approach to cooling system management, enabling better decision-making for energy and resource efficiency.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The computerized method according to claim 1 , wherein the computer processor determining the base real cost per time period of the existing cooling system comprises: the processor determining a chiller leaving temperature, and an entering condenser temperature.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computerized method for optimizing cooling system efficiency by determining the base real cost per time period of an existing cooling system. The method addresses the problem of accurately assessing cooling system performance to identify inefficiencies and reduce energy costs. The system calculates the base real cost by analyzing key operational parameters, including the chiller leaving temperature and the entering condenser temperature. These parameters are critical for evaluating the cooling system's thermal performance and energy consumption. The method involves processing these temperature measurements to derive a cost metric that reflects the system's operational efficiency over a specified time period. By quantifying the real cost, the system enables operators to make data-driven decisions for optimizing cooling operations, reducing energy waste, and improving overall system performance. The approach leverages real-time or historical temperature data to provide actionable insights for maintenance, load balancing, and energy management in cooling systems. The invention is particularly useful in large-scale cooling applications where precise cost tracking and efficiency improvements are essential.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The computerized method according to claim 3 , wherein the entering condenser temperature includes an entering air temperature.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to computerized methods for optimizing heat exchange systems, particularly those involving condensers in refrigeration or HVAC systems. The problem addressed is the inefficient operation of such systems due to inadequate monitoring and adjustment of condenser conditions, leading to energy waste and reduced performance. The method involves monitoring an entering condenser temperature, which includes the temperature of the air entering the condenser. By tracking this parameter, the system can dynamically adjust operational settings to maintain optimal heat exchange efficiency. The method may also incorporate additional condenser temperature measurements, such as the temperature of the refrigerant or coolant entering the condenser, to provide a comprehensive assessment of thermal conditions. The system uses these temperature inputs to regulate variables like fan speed, refrigerant flow rate, or compressor operation to ensure the condenser operates within an ideal temperature range. This adaptive approach prevents overheating or undercooling, which can degrade system performance or increase energy consumption. The method may also integrate with other control algorithms to further refine system behavior based on real-time data. By continuously monitoring and adjusting condenser conditions, the invention improves energy efficiency, extends equipment lifespan, and reduces maintenance costs. The solution is particularly useful in industrial refrigeration, commercial HVAC, and data center cooling applications where precise temperature control is critical.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The computerized method according to claim 3 , wherein the entering condenser temperature includes a water temperature.

Plain English Translation

A computerized method for optimizing heat exchange systems, particularly in refrigeration or HVAC applications, addresses inefficiencies in managing condenser temperatures. The method involves monitoring and adjusting condenser temperatures to improve energy efficiency and system performance. A key aspect is the inclusion of water temperature as part of the condenser temperature data, which allows for more precise control in systems where water is used as a cooling medium. The method dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on real-time temperature readings, ensuring optimal heat dissipation and reducing energy consumption. This approach is particularly useful in industrial refrigeration, chiller systems, and HVAC units where maintaining precise temperature control is critical. By integrating water temperature into the condenser temperature monitoring process, the system can better adapt to varying environmental conditions and load demands, enhancing overall efficiency and reliability. The method may also involve predictive algorithms to anticipate temperature fluctuations and preemptively adjust settings, further optimizing performance. This solution is designed to overcome limitations in traditional fixed-setpoint control systems, which often fail to account for dynamic operating conditions.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The computerized method according to claim 1 , further comprising the computer processor determining heat per unit time.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computerized method for thermal analysis, specifically for calculating heat transfer rates in a system. The method involves measuring temperature differences across a material or boundary and determining thermal conductivity properties. The system includes a computer processor that processes temperature data, applies thermal conductivity values, and calculates heat transfer rates. The processor may also account for material properties, environmental conditions, or other factors influencing heat transfer. The method further includes determining heat per unit time, which involves calculating the rate of heat flow through a given area or across a boundary. This calculation is derived from temperature gradients, thermal conductivity, and surface area, providing insights into energy efficiency, system performance, or thermal management. The invention is applicable in fields such as HVAC, electronics cooling, and industrial process optimization, where precise heat transfer analysis is critical. The method enhances accuracy in thermal modeling and enables real-time monitoring of heat dissipation or absorption in various applications.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The computerized method according to claim 1 , wherein the computer processor generating the estimated real cost per time period of the model comprises: the processor using the values for the temperature, the flow measurement, the fluid type in the solution, and the fluid percentage in the solution.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computerized method for estimating real costs associated with fluid processing systems, particularly in industrial or laboratory settings where precise cost tracking is critical. The method addresses the challenge of accurately determining operational expenses by dynamically calculating costs based on real-time process parameters, ensuring financial accountability and efficiency. The method involves a computer processor generating an estimated real cost per time period for a fluid processing model. The processor uses specific input values to perform this calculation, including temperature measurements, flow rate measurements, the type of fluid in the solution, and the percentage of the fluid in the solution. These parameters are critical because they directly influence the cost of fluid processing, such as energy consumption, material usage, and waste generation. By incorporating these variables, the method provides a more accurate and granular cost estimation compared to static or simplified models. The processor may also account for additional factors, such as energy consumption rates, material costs, and environmental regulations, to refine the cost estimation further. The method ensures that cost calculations are dynamically adjusted as process conditions change, enabling real-time financial tracking and optimization. This approach is particularly useful in industries like chemical manufacturing, water treatment, and pharmaceuticals, where fluid processing costs are significant and variable. The invention improves cost management by providing a data-driven, automated solution that reduces manual estimation errors and enhances operational transparency.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The computerized method according to claim 1 , wherein the computer processor generating the estimated real cost per time period of the model comprises: the processor determining a chiller leaving temperature, and an entering condenser temperature.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to energy-efficient HVAC system modeling, specifically optimizing chiller performance to reduce operational costs. The method involves simulating a chiller system to estimate real-time energy consumption and costs, accounting for dynamic environmental and operational conditions. The system calculates a chiller leaving temperature and an entering condenser temperature, which are critical parameters affecting chiller efficiency. These values are used to determine the estimated real cost per time period for the chiller model, enabling cost-effective operation. The method integrates real-time data inputs, such as ambient temperature and load demands, to dynamically adjust chiller settings and minimize energy expenditure. By continuously monitoring and optimizing these temperature parameters, the system ensures that the chiller operates at peak efficiency, reducing overall energy costs while maintaining desired cooling performance. This approach is particularly useful in large-scale HVAC applications where energy consumption is a significant operational expense. The invention provides a data-driven solution to balance energy efficiency and performance in chiller systems.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The computerized method according to claim 8 , wherein the entering condenser temperature includes an entering air temperature.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to computerized methods for optimizing heat exchange systems, particularly those involving condensers in refrigeration or HVAC applications. The problem addressed is the need for precise control of condenser performance to improve energy efficiency and system reliability. Traditional systems often lack real-time adjustment capabilities based on dynamic environmental conditions, leading to suboptimal operation. The method involves monitoring and adjusting condenser temperature by incorporating an entering air temperature measurement. This allows the system to dynamically respond to changes in ambient conditions, ensuring optimal heat rejection. The entering air temperature is used as a key parameter to regulate condenser operation, improving efficiency by preventing overheating or undercooling. The system may also include additional sensors and control algorithms to fine-tune performance based on real-time data. By integrating the entering air temperature into the control logic, the method enhances the system's ability to adapt to varying environmental factors, such as seasonal temperature shifts or localized weather changes. This leads to reduced energy consumption, extended equipment lifespan, and improved overall system reliability. The approach is particularly useful in industrial refrigeration, commercial HVAC, and other applications where precise thermal management is critical.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The computerized method according to claim 8 , wherein the entering condenser temperature includes a water temperature.

Plain English Translation

A computerized method for optimizing heat exchange systems, particularly in refrigeration or HVAC applications, addresses inefficiencies in managing condenser temperatures. The method involves monitoring and adjusting condenser temperatures to improve energy efficiency and system performance. A key aspect is the inclusion of water temperature as part of the condenser temperature data, which allows for more precise control and optimization of heat transfer processes. The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on real-time temperature readings, ensuring optimal cooling or heating performance while minimizing energy consumption. This approach is particularly useful in systems where water is used as a cooling medium, such as in industrial refrigeration or large-scale HVAC installations. By integrating water temperature into the condenser temperature monitoring process, the method enhances accuracy and responsiveness, leading to better overall system efficiency. The method may also involve predictive algorithms to anticipate temperature changes and preemptively adjust settings, further improving performance. This solution is designed to overcome limitations in traditional heat exchange systems that rely on static or less comprehensive temperature data, resulting in suboptimal energy use and performance.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The computerized method according to claim 1 , wherein the modification includes an addition of a thermal storage capability.

Plain English Translation

A computerized method enhances energy management systems by integrating thermal storage capabilities into existing infrastructure. The method addresses the challenge of balancing energy supply and demand in systems where thermal energy is generated or utilized, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), or industrial processes. By adding thermal storage, the system can store excess thermal energy during periods of low demand or high generation and release it during peak demand or low generation, improving efficiency and reducing costs. The method involves monitoring thermal energy production and consumption, identifying surplus or deficit conditions, and dynamically adjusting the thermal storage system to store or release energy as needed. The thermal storage capability may include phase-change materials, insulated tanks, or other storage technologies. The system also optimizes storage parameters, such as temperature, volume, and timing, to maximize efficiency and minimize energy losses. Additionally, the method may integrate with renewable energy sources, such as solar or waste heat recovery, to further enhance sustainability. The overall approach ensures stable energy supply, reduces reliance on peak-time energy generation, and improves system resilience.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The computerized method according to claim 1 , wherein the modification includes a removal of a thermal storage capability.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computerized method for modifying a thermal energy storage system. The method addresses the challenge of optimizing thermal storage systems by selectively removing thermal storage capabilities to improve efficiency or adapt to changing operational requirements. The system initially includes a thermal storage component designed to store and release thermal energy. The method involves analyzing operational data to determine whether the thermal storage capability is necessary or beneficial. If the analysis indicates that the thermal storage capability is no longer needed or is detrimental to performance, the system is modified by removing or disabling the thermal storage function. This modification may involve deactivating storage elements, altering control algorithms, or physically removing storage components. The method ensures that the system operates optimally by dynamically adjusting its configuration based on real-time or historical performance data. The invention is particularly useful in applications where thermal storage may introduce inefficiencies or where operational conditions change frequently, such as in industrial processes, HVAC systems, or renewable energy storage. By selectively removing thermal storage capabilities, the system can reduce energy losses, improve responsiveness, or lower maintenance costs.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the modification is an actual modification.

Plain English Translation

Data processing and storage systems. This invention addresses the problem of efficiently and reliably managing data modifications in a distributed or multi-node system, ensuring data integrity and consistency. A method is described for processing data modifications. The core of the method involves performing an actual modification to data. This actual modification implies a tangible change to the data content itself, as opposed to merely a placeholder, a pending operation, or a symbolic representation of a change. The method ensures that when a modification is to be applied, it is executed as a real alteration of the underlying data. This is crucial for maintaining the correct state of the data and for subsequent operations that rely on the updated data. The system is designed to handle these actual data changes in a manner that is integrated into its overall data management scheme.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the modification is a hypothetical modification.

Plain English Translation

A method for analyzing a system involves simulating modifications to the system to evaluate their impact. The method includes generating a model of the system, identifying potential modifications, and applying these modifications to the model to predict outcomes. The modifications can be hypothetical, meaning they are not necessarily implemented in the real system but are used to explore possible scenarios. The method further includes comparing the predicted outcomes of the modified system against the original system to assess performance, efficiency, or other metrics. This approach allows for risk-free evaluation of changes before actual implementation, helping to identify potential improvements or issues without disrupting the operational system. The method can be applied to various domains, such as software systems, mechanical designs, or process workflows, where testing modifications in a simulated environment is beneficial. By using hypothetical modifications, the method enables thorough exploration of different scenarios without the need for physical or real-world testing, reducing costs and time while improving decision-making.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. A computer readable medium storing therein computer readable instructions for a processor, wherein when the computer readable instructions are executed by the processor, the processor carries out the method according to claim 1 .

Plain English Translation

A system and method for optimizing data processing in a computing environment involves executing computer-readable instructions on a processor to perform specific operations. The method includes receiving input data, processing the input data to generate output data, and storing the output data in a memory. The processing step involves applying one or more transformation functions to the input data, where these functions may include filtering, sorting, aggregating, or other data manipulation operations. The system ensures efficient data handling by dynamically adjusting the transformation functions based on the characteristics of the input data, such as data size, structure, or content. Additionally, the system may validate the output data to ensure accuracy and consistency before storage. The method also includes error handling mechanisms to manage exceptions during processing, such as data corruption or processing failures, by retrying the operation or logging the error for further analysis. The system is designed to improve computational efficiency and reliability in data processing tasks, particularly in environments where large volumes of data are processed. The computer-readable medium storing these instructions enables the processor to execute the method, ensuring consistent and optimized data processing across different computing platforms.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. A system for real cost analysis related to a modification of an existing cooling system, comprising: a display device; a processor; and a memory in communication with the processor and having stored therein a computer readable instructions executable by the processor, wherein when executed by the processor, causes the processor to carry out: determine a base real cost per time period of the existing cooling system; generate an estimated real cost per time period of a model using the modification to a physical structure of the existing cooling system; compare the base real cost per time period to the estimated real cost per time period in real time; and output to the display device a result of comparing the base real cost per time period to the estimated real cost per time period, wherein the modification includes one or more of an addition of an energy using component to the physical structure of the existing cooling system or removal of an energy using component from the physical structure of the existing cooling system.

Plain English Translation

The system provides real-time cost analysis for evaluating modifications to an existing cooling system. Cooling systems often require upgrades or changes, but assessing the financial impact of such modifications is challenging. This system addresses that by comparing the actual operating costs of the existing system with the projected costs of a modified version. The system includes a display device, a processor, and memory storing executable instructions. The processor determines the base real cost per time period of the existing cooling system, which accounts for energy consumption and operational expenses. It then generates an estimated real cost per time period for a modified version of the system, where the modification involves adding or removing energy-consuming components, such as pumps, fans, or heat exchangers. The system compares these costs in real time and displays the results on the display device, allowing users to assess the financial impact of proposed changes before implementation. This enables informed decision-making by quantifying the cost differences between the original and modified cooling systems.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

March 10, 2020

Inventors

Susanna Staubly Hanson
William Nelson Devroy
Anthony Wayne Bruno
Joel Donald Monroe

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